More Ohioans Expect To Travel For Memorial Day Weekend

posted by Matt Bruning
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2 years ago

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSPD) -- AAA expects 36.1 million Americans, including 1.34 million Ohioans, to travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day holiday weekend. That's an increase of 1.5 percent nationwide and 0.6 percent for Ohio from 2013, and marks the highest post-recession travel volume.

About nine of every ten Ohioans that plant to travel will drive to their destination.

"We're not expecting gas prices to have a significant impact on Memorial Day travel plans," said Kimberly Schwind with AAA Ohio.

She says prices are expected to be near levels seen last year.

"Don't be surprised if we do see a little spike in gas prices as we get into the Memorial Day holiday weekend. It tends to happen as we have an increase in demand with so many people on the roadways," Schwind said.

Many people are eager to get out and travel after the harsh winter weather. In fact, AAA Ohio recorded an increase in the number of people booking warm-weather vacations during January and February. In addition, improvements in several key economic factors are driving this holiday’s expected travel increase.

AAA expects nearly 2.6 million Americans, including nearly 73,000 Ohioans, to travel by air this holiday. This in a 2.4 percent increase nationally and 3.8 percent increase in Ohio. Airfares are expected to also increase, but an improving confidence in the economy has Americans unafraid to spend a little more.

"That confidence and increase in disposable income is really fueling the number of people traveling this holiday and also the number of people who are buying tickets," said Schwind.

Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruise, train and buses, is expected to increase by 6.2 percent in Ohio to nearly 62,000.

Some of the top summer travel destinations include Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head in South Carolina, Orlando, Florida, Nashville, Boston, Destin, Florida, Savannah, and Washington, D.C.

Schwind says Ohioans also like all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico and Hawaii. Closer to home the top spots are Cedar Point, Hocking Hills, the Ohio State Parks and Amish Country.